Miami-Dade County awarded the Town of Miami Lakes a $50,363 grant for the town’s reforestation program.
Money for the project came from a Growing Roots for Environmentally Equitable Neighborhoods (or GREEN) matching grant.
The county’s GREEN goals are to encourage investment in public lands, combat extreme heat and achieve an up to 30 percent tree canopy, according to its website.
It also promotes use of native or Florida-friendly plantings.
“This is our sixth grant in partnership with Miami-Dade County for the West Lakes reforestation,” said Renée Wilson, Miami Lakes grants and governmental affairs manager.
Wilson said the town matched the county award. The total of $100,726 paid for 114 trees. The town planted Southern Live Oaks and Pigeon Plum trees along five blocks between Northwest 87th and 89th Avenues: Northwest 142nd Lane; Northwest 142nd St.; Northwest 141st Terrace; Northwest 88th Place and Northwest 87th Court, the town said.
The plantings complement Miami Lakes’ approximately 18,000 trees and beautify a part of town that was “in desperate need of canopy trees,” Wilson said.
“The town is delighted to collaborate with Miami-Dade County to continue to enhance our tree canopy,” she said.
Andres Pineiro, manager, Parks and Recreation, said in a town press release that the project is “A testament to the unwavering commitment of the Miami Lakes community and the Town of Miami Lakes to the beautification of our town.”
The project is in its sixth phase. On April 26th, or Earth Day at Pocket Park #87 on 8767 NW 139th St., officials planted two Southern Live Oak trees.
Wilson said a verdant landscape provides many benefits to the public.
“Studies show that trees contribute significantly to the environment, human health, energy savings, air quality and quality of life,” she said.
In the photo: The Town of Miami Lakes, a designated Tree City USA, marks Arbor Day on April 26 in one of its 100 municipal parks. The town planted two Southern Live Oak trees and celebrates its status with a proclamation. From left, Manny Martinez, town recreation manager; Renée Wilson, manager, grants and governmental affairs; Jose “Oreo” Orellana, town Greenspace Superintendent; Councilman Josh Dieguez; Mayor Manny Cid; Miami Lakes Garden Club President Xiomara Castillo, outgoing president Audrey Valhuerdi and Treasurer Angela Flanagan; Ernesto Soto, parks programs coordinator; Vice Mayor Tony Fernandez; Jeremy Bajdaun, director, Parks and Recreation and Andres Pineiro, manager, Parks and Athletics. Photo provided by the Town of Miami Lakes.